Beneficial Effect of Shishishito Administration on Anxiety and Chest Discomfort in Restlessly Speaking Patients

Abstract

Few published reports exist on shishishito (sanshishi and koshi) usage. Our study group comprised of six female patients presenting with anxiety, insomnia, or chest discomfort, with the common characteristic of speaking restlessly. They either had heat symptoms or they did not experience coldness. All six patients were prescribed shishishito. Case 1, a 64-year-old woman presenting with chest irritation and tightness, recovered on day 4 of shishishito administration. Case 2, a 63-year-old woman displaying restlessness, epigastric clogging, and daily nightmares recovered after 8 days of treatment. Case 3, a 36-year-old woman taking Kampo for another ailment, presented with throat clogging and glossodynia, recovered on day 5 after changing to shishishito administration. Similarly, Case 4, a 73-year-old woman already taking Kampo for neurotic anxiety, showed sudden signs of insomnia that improved after 2 days of shishishito administration. Case 5, an 83-year-old woman already on Kampo medication for anxiety and palpitations, was successfully treated with shishishito for severe anxiety and restless speech and recovered in 5 days. A separate Kampo formulation resolved her palpitations. However, another panic attack ensued, which was resolved after 7 days of shishishito treatment. Interestingly, shishishito was not successful in resolving the panic attacks of Case 6, a 48-year-old woman with depression owing to personal loss. Treatment with Western medicine in addition to 11 days of shishito administration was also ineffective for this patient.